My Volunteer Experience - Pujan Maharjan

Pujan Maharjan holds a Master's degree in Masters of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at The University of Adelaide. Completing his Bachelor Degree in Computer Engineering in 2012 from the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk, after which he worked for several years as a Software Engineer for companies in Nepal, and on remote projects for businesses based in Texas and Singapore. Pujan arrived in Adelaide in February 2022 to explore new working opportunities, and to study AI, in order to leverage technology to solve challenges and implement business efficiencies. 
 

He joined SAcommunity as a Volunteer Information Officer in the Data Analytics Team to improve his local connections, networks and opportunities in Adelaide. Building his soft skills/people skills, by working onsite and practicing his existing communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills in a local workplace environment. Pujan immediately made himself available to represent the SAcommunity service by attending partner events, meetings and activities looking at data and digital skills in the community, held by the South Australian Council of Social Services (SACOSS) 'Keys to the Digital World', GovHack 'Connections' and the Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance (ADIA) 'Digital Capability in Australia: Unpacking digital preparedness for access to work, learning and life.' 

In the future, Pujan looks forward to work in Adelaide as a Machine Learning Engineer. He is interested in building on his master's studies, further exploring the capabilities of artificial intelligence as one of the most disruptive technologies across the industry sector, and how it 'changes the way we work'. In particular, his focus is on the benefit for business, recognising the importance of AI in impacting efficiencies and pushing the boundaries of best practice, through handling repetitive tasks so that employees can concentrate on creative solutions, complex problem-solving, and impactful work.

Training - Telephone Techniques
All Volunteers and Interns undertake Telephone Techniques Training led by Volunteer David Webb. The team are providing with a scripted template covering the processes used to greet and introduce yourself to a client or stakeholder, word choices to use, your tone of voice, call to action and call closure. Strong communication skills are highly valued in any workplace or industry, and the Data Analytics Team members use this to check, update and improve the records in their dataset by contacting community service organisations, and to introduce their data reports to council stakeholders.


Image: 'Keys to the digital world' - references on the SACOSS Website and LGA Website

Building Connections and Networks
SAcommunity Team members are also encouraged to participate in partner and stakeholder activities, events and meetings as they arise to understand more about the wider organisation's projects and the work they are involved in and support.
 
Pas Forgione, Digital Inclusion Project Officer for the South Australian Council of Social Services (SACOSS) invited Connecting Up staff and volunteers to attend the 'Keys to the Digital World' reference group meetings to build digital inclusion, in lieu of Connecting Up's capacity as a charity providing low-cost tech products and training to other not-for-profits.

Volunteer Pujan took up the opportunity for the third meeting held 27 July 2023 and attended online along with community stakeholders including, public library services (PLS), local councils and community centre staff members who met to hear and discuss the results of Pas's regional consultations, interviews and draft report, listening and providing feedback on the commentary, themes and recommendations. Pujan then presented a short summary at the SAcommunity Team meeting to keep other volunteers informed ahead of the next session, explaining how the digital literacy issues raised were universal with similar challenges experienced in Nepal.